Symptoms

• Joint pain and stiffness, usually affecting multiple joints symmetrically.
• Swelling and tenderness in the affected joints.
• Fatigue and general weakness.
• Morning stiffness that lasts for more than an hour.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Fever and a general feeling of malaise.

Causes

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is believed to be a result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. In RA, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, primarily the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This leads to inflammation and thickening of the synovium, eventually damaging the cartilage and bone within the joint.

Risk Factors:

• Genetics : Family history of RA or other autoimmune diseases.
• Gender : Women are more likely to develop RA than men.
• Age : RA can develop at any age, but it most commonly begins between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Smoking : Cigarette smoking increases the risk and severity of RA.
• Environmental Factors : Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as infectious agents or pollutants, may trigger RA in susceptible individuals.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging because its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. However, doctors typically use a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests (such as rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies), and imaging tests (such as X-rays and ultrasound) to confirm a diagnosis.